Atkinson, 16, went missing Monday morning after she was taken to Pope Avenue NW by a DCF worker for a doctor's appointment. She then left the medical facility in an unknown direction after she was left unattended momentarily.

Police searched the area and were unable to find her.

Winter Haven Police say thanks to media coverage on Atkinson's disappearance, they received a tip that she was in the area of Johnson Avenue in Haines City. She was then recovered and returned to DCF custody.